Packaging member

ABSTRACT

A packaging member forming an enclosed region for securing an article therein includes a first and a second preformed rigid member. The first and the second member have two legs forming an L-shaped cross section along their length. A flexible layer hingedly connects one leg of the first member to one leg of the second member. Rotating the first member with respect to the second member about an axis along the flexible layer until the other leg of the first member contacts the other leg of the second member forms the enclosed region.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to packaging members, andmore particularly to hingedly connected laminated paperboard packagingmembers for enclosing a product.

[0002] Elongated products, especially those having small cross sectionalareas typically require special packaging containers for protection fromdamage while the products are transported. Tubular containers are wellknown for this purpose. However, tubular containers are expensive tomanufacture and require the product be directed into one end of thecontainer which is cumbersome and further requires the “packaging area”for the product to be at least twice the length of the product.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,374 is directed to a packing containerutilizing opposed U-shaped members, one being a base unit and the otherbeing a cover unit. The packaging container is formed by placing thecover unit on the base unit such that the side walls of the base unitare within the side walls of the cover unit, to form a rectangularpackaging container. While this packaging construction no longerrequires the packaging area to be at least twice the length of theproduct, since the product may be placed within the base unit fromabove, it is expensive to manufacture because the U-shaped members areexpensive to manufacture. In addition, this particular constructionrequires the manufacture of two different sizes of U-shaped members andwastes packaging material since the packaging container has double sidewalls which are typically not required for the packaging container.Further, the extra packaging material on the sidewalls adds weight tothe packaging container, thereby increasing shipping costs.

[0004] Thus, there is a need in the art for a packaging member which maybe used to protect elongated products that can easily receive theproduct therein, is inexpensive to manufacture, and minimizes packagingmaterial while maintaining structural rigidity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a packaging member including afirst and a second preformed rigid member having a preselected length.The first and the second member each have two legs forming asubstantially L-shaped cross section along the length of the member. Aflexible layer hingedly connects one leg of the first member to one legof the second member. An enclosed region in the packaging member is thenformed by rotating the first member with respect to the second memberabout an axis along the flexible layer until the other leg of the firstmember contacts the other leg of the second member.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to apackaging member for securing an article which includes a preformedmember having a preselected length. The member further includes a webhaving opposed ends and a leg extending from each opposed end, the weband legs collectively defining a substantially U-shaped cross sectionalong the length of the member. The web has at least one score formedsubstantially along the preselected length of the member and the scoreis configured to operate as a hinged connection forming two adjacent webportions when the legs are directed toward each other until the legscontact one another to define an enclosed region.

[0007] In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to apackaging member for securing an article. The preformed packaging memberhas a preselected length, including a web having opposed ends, a legextending from each opposed end. The web and legs collectively define asubstantially U-shaped cross section along the length of the packagingmember. A second member is hingedly connected to one of the legs of thepreformed member, and the second member is configured to be rotatable ina direction toward the other leg of the preformed member until thesecond member contacts the other leg to define an enclosed region for anarticle of the preformed member member.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to apackaging member for securing an article. The packaging member forsecuring an article includes a preformed member having a preselectedlength, the member having a first and a second leg forming asubstantially L-shaped cross section across the length of the member.The first leg has two substantially parallel scores formed substantiallyalong the preselected length of the member, each score being configuredto operate as a hinged connection. The two scores forming three adjacentleg portions in the first leg when the respective ends of the first legand the second leg are directed toward each other and into contact withone another to define an enclosed region for securing an articletherein.

[0009] One advantage of the present invention is that the packagingmember has no overlapping walls, thereby eliminating the weight andexpense due to excess material.

[0010] Another advantage of the present invention is that the packagingmember is inexpensive to manufacture due to use of standard angle pieceswhich are commonly employed in the industry.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following more detailed description of the preferredembodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings whichillustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging member of the presentinvention.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the packaging member of thepresent invention taken along line 2-2 from FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 3 is an end view of the packaging member of the presentinvention in an unassembled position.

[0015]FIG. 4 is an end view of a further embodiment of the packagingmember of the present invention in an unassembled position.

[0016]FIG. 5 is an exploded end view of a still further embodiment ofthe packaging member of the present invention in an unassembledposition.

[0017]FIG. 6 is an end view of another embodiment of the packagingmember of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 7 is an end view of still another embodiment of the packagingmember of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial end view of a corner from anembodiment of the packaging member of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 9 is an end view of an embodiment of the packaging member ofthe present invention.

[0021]FIG. 9A is an end view of a further embodiment of the packagingmember of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 10 is an exploded end view of a still further embodiment ofthe packaging member of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 11-13 are additional embodiments of the packaging member ofthe present invention.

[0024] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to apackaging member 10 for protecting an article (not shown) that is placedinside packaging member 10 prior to transporting the article. Packagingmember 10 includes an opposed pair of rigid members 12, 14, commonlyreferred to as corner posts or angles. Angles 12, 14 each have a pair ofrespective legs 16, 18 and 20, 22. Each pair of legs 16, 18 and 20, 22are substantially perpendicular to one another and have an L-shapedcross section along their length, the legs 16, 18 and 20, 22collectively define the structural sides of packaging member 10 whenassembled. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, angle 12 has an inner surface 30,outer surface 32 and legs 16, 18. Angle 14 has an inner surface 34,outer surface 36 and legs 20, 22. A hinge 24 is secured to the outersurface 36 of angle 14 substantially adjacent to end 42 of leg 20 and issecured to outer surface 32 of angle 12 substantially adjacent to end 38of leg 16. Ends 38 and 42 of legs 16 and 20 are separated by a gap 46prior to assembly of the packaging member 10. To assemble packagingmember 10, angle 12 is rotated with respect to angle 14 about an axis 48along hinge 24, preferably defined by the intersection of outer surface36 and end 42 of leg 20 as will be discussed in additional detail below.This rotation of angle 12 brings end 38 into contact with the innersurface 34 of angle 14 substantially adjacent to end 42 of leg 20,forming a corner 52 and also brings inner surface 30 adjacent end 40 ofleg 18 into contact with end 44 of leg 22, forming a corner 54 that isopposite to corner 52. Alternately, angle 14 can be rotated with respectto angle 12 to assemble packaging member 10. At this point, innersurfaces 30, 34 of respective angles 12, 14 define a rectangularenclosed region 28 for protecting an article placed therein. The articleis preferably placed on an angle 12, 14 prior to rotating the otherangle 14, 12. To maintain the position of angles 12, 14 once an angle12, 14 has been rotated, flap 26 which is separately secured to outersurface 32 of angle 12 adjacent to end 40 of leg 18 is rotated about anaxis 50 preferably located at the junction of outer surface 32 of angle12 and end 40 of leg 18 until flap 26 contacts outer surface 36 of angle14 adjacent to end 44 of leg 22. A bonding means 56 is provided alongflap 26 to secure flap 26 to outer surface 36 of angle 14 substantiallyadjacent to end 44 of leg 22, thereby providing an efficient, stablepackaging member 10 for transporting articles therein. Optionally, inaddition to or in place of flap 26, tape, straps, or other securingmaterials may also be employed to secure packaging member 10 in itsclosed or assembled condition. Although not shown, the opposed open endsof packaging member 10 may be sealed or plugged by blocks, such as wood,or any available material suitable for this purpose.

[0026] Further referring to FIGS. 1-3, angles 12, 14 are now discussed.Angles 12, 14 are preferably formed by bonding layers (not shown) ofpaperboard together that have a preselected width and lengthcorresponding to the desired width (horizontal distance) and height(vertical distance) of the legs of the angle and length (depth) of theangle. A bend, preferably of ninety degrees is then placed in the bondedlayers or paperboard to produce angles 12, 14 having substantiallyL-shaped cross sections. The composition of the angle 12, 14 may includeany material that may be formed into a substantially rigid L-shapedcross section. Preferably legs 16, 22 and legs 18, 20 of respectiveangles 12, 14 are of substantially the same span (width or height),thereby forming a rectangle when the packaging member 10 is assembled.The rectangular shape of packaging member 10 provides a stable structureamenable to efficient stacking. In addition to the stable shape, if thecorresponding leg spans of angles 12, 14 are substantially equal, asingle angle piece or component can be manufactured and then used foreither angle 12 or 14. However, to accommodate the shape of an article,it may prove advantageous to form legs 16 and 22, as well as legs 18 and20 of different spans, so long as one angle 12, 14 can rotate to theother angle 14, 12 to assemble the packaging member 10 similar to thatshown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the thicknesses of angles 12, 14 range fromabout 0.060 inches to about 0.500 inches, and the preferred rectangularconstructions include 2 inches wide by 2 inches high, or 2″×2″, as wellas 3″×3″, 4″×4″, 1″×3″, 2″×4″ and 3″×5″. However, other thicknesses andconstructions may be employed which may be significantly larger orsmaller than the preferred size ranges, such limitations being imposedby the capabilities of the particular machine utilized to form theangles. While the angles are shown having flat or “squared” ends, it isunderstood that any shape which permits the angles to be brought into aclosed contact to form the packaging member of the present invention,including tapered or even curved ends, may be used herein.

[0027] Hinge 24 shall now be discussed. Hinge 24, which hingedlyconnects angle 12 to angle 14, is preferably constructed of a flexiblelayer, such as paper, tape, cloth or any flexible material that may besecured to the outer surface of an angle. Hinge 24 may be secured to theouter surface of an angle by employing adhesives, tape, bands, rivets,Velcro®, staples, nails, brads, nuts and bolts, application of heatand/or pressure or any other means suitable to preferably attach aflexible material layer to the outer surface of the angle, although itis also possible to attach the flexible layer to the inner surface ofthe angle. Preferably, hinge 24 includes a narrow strip of flexiblematerial, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein one end of hinge24 is secured along outer surface 36 of angle 14 adjacent to end 42 ofleg 20 and the other end of angle 24 is secured along outer surface 32of angle 12 adjacent to end 38 of leg 16. However, if desired, forreasons possibly including manufacturing convenience, the flexiblematerial layer defining hinge 24 may be secured to any additionalportion of angle 14, up to and including the entire span of outersurface 36 of angle 14 as shown in FIG. 4. In this construction, theflexible layer defining flap 26 is similarly secured to angle 12 up toand including the entire span of outer surface 32 of angle 12. Angle 12can be rotated with respect to angle 14 prior to securing flap 26 toangle 14 to produce the packaging member 10, or angle 14 can be rotatedwith respect to angle 12 to achieve the same result. Although not shown,a single flexible member defining both hinge 24 and flap 26 may besecured to the entire span of outer surface 36 of angle 14 and to theentire span of outer surface 32 of angle 12, if desired. Alternately,referring to FIG. 5, a closing member 58, which combines the features ofhinge 24 and flap 26 in a single span of flexible material, is securedalong the entire span of outer surface 32 of angle 12, the portion ofclosing member 58 extending past end 40 in a direction away from angle12 performing the function of flap 26, and the portion of closing member58 extending past end 38 in a direction away from angle 12 performingthe function of hinge 24. In other words, hinge 24 may extend in securedcontact with any proportion of the outer surfaces of the angles so longas there is sufficient flexible material to permit operation as a hinge.

[0028] Flap 26, similar to hinge 24, is constructed of a flexible layerthat is preferably connected to the outer surface 32 of leg 18 of angle12 or to outside surface 36 of leg 22 of angle 14. Upon assembly ofpackaging member 10, wherein angle 12 and angle 14 are rotated towardeach other about an axis along hinge 24 as will be discussed in furtherdetail below, leg 18 adjacent to end 40 of angle 12 is then brought intocontact with leg 22 adjacent to end 44 of angle 14. Preferably, aportion of flap 26 is secured to the outer surface of one of the legs,such as surface 32 of leg 18, so that the remaining portion of flap 26is loose, extending past the end 40 of leg 18. The loose portion of flap26 that extends past the end 40 of leg 18 is then attached of the outersurface 36 of leg 22 of angle 14 that is adjacent to end 44 by bondingmeans 56 to secure packaging member 10 in its closed or assembledposition. Optionally, in addition to or in place of flap 26, tape,straps, or other securing materials or methods previously discussed mayalso be employed.

[0029] Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, the rotation of angle 12 withrespect to angle 14 shall be further discussed. Preferably, angle 12 isrotated about axis 48 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, axis 48 beingillustrated in FIG. 3 as a point, since axis 48 extends along the lengthof angle 14, which is not shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment of thepackaging member 10, as illustrated by FIG. 3, a plane defined by outersurface 36 of leg 20 of angle 14 is coincident with a plane defined byouter surface 32 of leg 16 of angle 12. In this position, end 42 ispreferably parallel to end 38 and separated from end 38 by gap 46 alonghinge 24. Preferably, to avoid structurally damaging hinge 24 due toexcessive tensile loading, during or subsequent to assembly of packagingmember 10, gap 46 is at least equal in width to the thickness of leg 20.Further, along gap 46 during the rotation of angle 12, hinge 24 remainssubstantially straight and the flexible material of hinge 24 overlyinggap 46 also remains substantially coincident with the plane defined byouter surface 32 of leg 16 of angle 12. Therefore, as angle 12 isrotated about axis 48 in a direction toward angle 14, edge 60, which isdefined by the intersection of outer surface 32 and end 38 of leg 16 ofangle 12, traces the path of an arc having a radius substantially equalto gap 46. Edge 60 continues to trace this arc as angle 12 is furtherrotated about axis 48 until edge 60 is substantially coincident withedge 62, which is defined by the intersection of inner surface 34 andend 42 of leg 20 on angle 14. In this position, end 38 rests upon innersurface 34 adjacent to end 42. FIG. 2 illustrates the locations of theelements in this embodiment after the rotation of angle 12 is completedwhich defines corner 52 as previously discussed. Alternately, angle 14can be rotated about axis 48 with respect to angle 12 to achieveidentical results.

[0030] Alternately, referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, a rotation axis 64 maybe employed to rotate angle 12 as discussed above. Axis 64 is defined bythe intersection of outer surface 32 and end 38 of leg 16 on angle 12and is illustrated as a point in FIGS. 3 and 8, for the same reasons aspreviously discussed for axis 48. In this embodiment, as angle 12 isrotated about axis 48, an edge 66, which is defined by the intersectionof inner surface 30 and end 38 of leg 16, traces an arc having a radiussubstantially equal to the thickness of angle 12. An inner surface 23 ofhinge 24 remains substantially coincident with outer surface 36 of leg20 as angle 12 is rotated. Edge 66 continues to trace this arc as angle12 is further rotated about axis 64 until edge 66 is substantiallycoincident with an edge 68, which is defined by the intersection ofouter surface 36 and end 42 of leg 20 on angle 14. In this position, end38 rests upon the portion of inner surface 23 of hinge 24 defined by gap46 (FIG. 3) that is substantially coincident with outer surface 36 ofleg 20. End 42 abuts inner surface 30 of angle 12 adjacent end 42 of leg16. FIG. 8 provides an enlarged view illustrating the locations of theelements of this embodiment after the rotation of angle 12 is completedthereby defining corner 70, which is similar to corner 52, discussed indetail above. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment wherein correspondinglegs 18, 20 and 16, 22 of angles 12, 14 have a substantially equal span.One difference between FIG. 2 and FIG. 9 is the relative positioning ofends 38, 40 of angle 12 with respect to ends 42, 44 of angle 14. In FIG.2, end 40 is positioned above and abuts end 44 and end 42 horizontallyabuts the end portion of leg 20 adjacent end 42. In FIG. 9, end 40horizontally abuts leg 22 adjacent end 44 and end 42 horizontally abutsthe end portion of leg 16 adjacent end 38. Although the FIG. 9embodiment is equally workable as the embodiment in FIG. 2, the FIG. 9embodiment may be less desirable than the preferred embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2 in that the embodiment in FIG. 9 can have areduced ability to support external vertical loading especially if theexternal vertical load is concentrated on leg 18 adjacent to end 40. Forthis loading condition, structural support is provided primarily byhinge 26, as opposed to the supporting arrangement in FIG. 2, in whichleg 22 is directly beneath end 40 and provides additional verticalstructural support. If additional vertical support is required whilemaintaining corner 70, the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A may be moreeffectively employed. In FIG. 9A, leg 16 of angle 12 is longer than leg22 of angle 14 by the thickness of leg 20 of angle 14. Similarly, leg 18of angle 12 is longer than leg 20 of angle 14 by the thickness of leg 22of angle 14. While this embodiment provides additional vertical supportfor reacting to vertical loads applied to leg 18, the span of the legsof angles 12 and 14 are now different, which requires the manufacturingof different angles.

[0031]FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the packaging memberof the present invention. Packaging member 100 includes a substantiallyU-shaped member 102 having a base 104 with legs 106, 108 preferablyextending upwardly parallel from opposed ends of base 104. Legs 106, 108have respective ends 114, 116 for supporting a substantially flat orplanar member 120 having opposed ends 122, 124. U-shaped member 102 andflat member 120 have an outer surface 112 and an inner surface 110 whichdefines an enclosed region 126 for securing the article therein. Hinge118 is preferably secured to the outer surface 112 of U-shaped member102 adjacent to end 116 of leg 108 and to the outer surface 112 of flatmember 120 adjacent to end 122 for hingedly connecting flat member 120to leg 108 of U-shaped member 102. Hinge 118 is otherwise similar tohinge 24 as previously discussed. Hinge 118 can also be secured to theinner surface 112. After the article is placed within U-shaped member102, flat member 120 is rotated with respect to U-shaped member 102about an axis along hinge 118 until ends 122, 124 of flat member 120 aresupported by respective ends 114, 116 of legs 106, 108. Although a flapsimilar to that employed in FIG. 2 should not be necessary to secureflat member 120 in the closed or assembled position, a bonding means128, as previously discussed, may optionally be employed.

[0032] In another emodiment as shown in FIG. 7, a score 130, such as aV-shaped notch, may be formed in flat member 120 adjacent to end 124 sothat an applied force (not shown) substantially perpendicular to outersurface 112 at end 124 can form a portion 132 that extends substantiallyperpendicularly to the plane defined by outer surface 112 of flat member120. Portion 132 has an outer surface 112 and an extension surface 134.With flat member 120 in its closed position and supported by U-shapedmember 102, extension surface 134 of portion 132 preferably abuts theouter surface 112 of the U-shaped member 102 adjacent to end 128 of leg106 to further secure flat member 120 in place. To even further secureflat member 120, bonding means 128, similar to those employed to securehinge 24, can also be used. Similarly achieving the collective shapedefined by flat member 120 and portion 132, an angle may be formed witha leg having the desired span of portion 132. Referring to FIG. 10, flatmember 120 may have opposed notches 136 formed adjacent ends 122, 124defining opposed surfaces 138 for abutting legs 106, 108 adjacentrespective ends 114, 116 along inner surface 110 for forming a moresecure connection with legs 106, 108 of flat member 120.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 11-13, it is apparent that forming a score152, such as a V-shaped notch, along an inside surface of a web 159having opposed ends extending into legs 156, 158 of U-channel 150 in amanner similar to that described in FIG. 7 for folding portion 132, mayproduce hinged angles of the present invention. In other words, anembodiment of the present invention may be achieved by folding along anaxis defined by score 152, in effect a hinged connection, so that theenclosed region of the resulting packaging member is defined by legs156, 158, with adjacent segments of web 159 effectively forming theother two legs of the packaging member. Similarly, another embodiment ofthe present invention may be achieved by forming a cut 164, or backscore, in an outside surface 155 of web 159 having opposed endsextending into legs 156, 158 of U-channel 150. Alternately, acombination of groove 162 and cut 164 may be employed to achieve thedesired hinging effect, possibly depending upon the material compositionand thickness of the U-channel being manipulated. Although not shown,optional flap members similar to flap 26 previously discussed may beused to secure the packaging member in its closed or assembled position,although tape, straps, or other securing materials or methods previouslydiscussed may also be employed. While it is contemplated that multiplegrooves/cuts may be formed in an angle member to achieve the presentinvention, or even forming three grooves/cuts in a flat member thatdefine respective axes for folding the flat member to form therectangular packing member that is the present invention, a degree ofstructural stiffness inherent with an embodiment employing a singlegroove/cut in a U-channel is forfeited. It is also contemplated that asingle groove/cut may be formed in a surface of an angle member, or analigned pair of grooves/cuts may be formed on opposed surfaces of anangle member to achieve a packaging member that defines a triangle.

[0034] One skilled in the art can appreciate that in addition tovariations of shape and material composition, hinges and flaps may belocated anywhere along the thickness of the angles. In other words, aflexible layer may be secured along the inner surface of the angles andmay be formed anywhere between the inner and outer surfaces, includingbeing formed from the same material being used to construct the anglesthemselves. In other words, the hinge may extend from any position orportion of one end of an angle to any position or portion of thecorresponding angle, not being limited to the outer surfaces ofrespective angle members. Additionally, it is apparent that inclusion ofthe flap is optional, especially if adhesive, tape, straps or othermeans of securing the angles in affixed position are employed.

[0035] While the invention has been described with reference to apreferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaging member for securing an articlecomprising: a first member and a second member, the first member and thesecond member each comprising a first leg and a second leg disposedsubstantially perpendicular to the first leg; means for connecting thefirst leg of the first member to the first leg of the second member, themeans for connecting being configured to permit the rotation of onemember with respect to the other member about an axis of rotation untilthe second leg of the one member contacts the second leg of the othermember to define an enclosed region for an article.
 2. The packagingmember of claim 1 wherein the axis of rotation is substantially parallelto ends of the first legs of the first member and the second member. 3.The packaging member of claim 1 wherein the means for connectingcomprises a flexible member attached to outer surfaces and innersurfaces of the first legs of the first member and the second member. 4.The packaging member of claim 1 wherein the means for connectingcomprises a flexible member attached to the first legs of the firstmember and the second member, the flexible member being disposed betweeninner surfaces of the first legs of the first member and the secondmember and outer surfaces of the first legs of the first member and thesecond member.
 5. The packaging member of claim 3 wherein the flexiblemember is composed of paperboard.
 6. The packaging member of claim 3wherein the flexible member is composed of tape.
 7. The packaging memberof claim 3 wherein the flexible member is composed of cloth.
 8. Thepackaging member of claim 1 further comprising a flap attached to thesecond leg of the first member, the flap being configured to be attachedto the second leg of the second member.
 9. The packaging member of claim8 wherein the flap is composed of paperboard.
 10. The packaging memberof claim 8 wherein the flap is composed of tape.
 11. The packagingmember of claim 8 wherein the flap is composed of cloth.
 12. Thepackaging member of claim 8 wherein the means for connecting and theflap comprise a single flexible layer.
 13. The packaging member of claim1 wherein: the first leg of the first member and the second leg of thefirst member have a first predetermined length, and the first leg of thesecond member and the second leg of the second member have a secondpredetermined length.
 14. The packaging member of claim 13 wherein thefirst predetermined length and the second predetermined length aresubstantially equal.
 15. The packaging member of claim 1 wherein theenclosed region defines a substantially rectangular shape.
 16. Thepackaging member of claim 1 wherein the first member and the secondmember have a thickness from about 0.060 inches to about 0.500 inches.17. The packaging member of claim 1 wherein the first member and thesecond member are configured to define the enclosed region of about 2inches by 2 inches to about 4 inches by 4 inches.
 18. The packagingmember of claim 1 wherein the first member and the second member areconfigured to define the enclosed region of about 2 inches by 2 inchesto about 3 inches by 5 inches.
 19. A packaging member for securing anarticle comprising a preformed member having a preselected length, themember comprising a web having opposed ends and a leg extending fromeach opposed end, the web and legs collectively defining a substantiallyU-shaped cross section along the length of the member; and, wherein theweb has at least one score formed substantially along the preselectedlength of the member, the score being configured to operate as a hingedconnection forming two adjacent web portions when the legs are directedtoward each other until the legs contact one another to define anenclosed region.
 20. The packaging member of claim 19 wherein thepreformed member is composed of laminated paperboard.
 21. The packagingmember of claim 19 wherein the at least one score is formed in at leastone of an outer surface of the member and inner surface of the member.22. A packaging member for securing an article comprising: a preformedmember having a preselected length, the preformed member including a webhaving opposed ends, a leg extending from each opposed end, the web andlegs collectively defining a substantially U-shaped cross section alongthe length; and a second member hingedly connected to one of the legs ofthe preformed member, the second member being configured to be rotatablein a direction toward the other leg of the preformed member until thesecond member contacts the other leg to define an enclosed region for anarticle.
 23. The packaging member of claim 22 wherein the preformedmember is composed of laminated paperboard.
 24. The packaging member ofclaim 22 wherein the second member comprises at least one score, the atleast one score being configured to separate the second member into afirst portion and a second portion and provide a second hingedconnection to permit the first portion to be moved to a positionsubstantially perpendicular to the second portion, such that when thesecond member is rotatably directed into contact with the legs, thefirst portion further secures the second member to the legs of thepreformed member.
 25. The packaging member of claim 24 wherein the atleast one score may be formed in at least one of an outer surface of thesecond member and inner surface of the second member.
 26. The packagingmember of claim 22 further comprising a first notch formed along an endof the second member adjacent the hinged connection for contacting oneof the legs and a second notch formed along an opposed end of the secondmember for contacting the other leg, the first notch and the secondnotch further securing the second member to the legs of the preformedmember.
 27. A packaging member for securing an article comprising: apreformed member having a preselected length, the member having a firstleg and a second leg forming a substantially L-shaped cross sectionacross the length of the member; the first leg having two substantiallyparallel scores formed substantially along the preselected length of themember, each score configured to operate as a hinged connection, the twoscores forming three adjacent leg portions in the first leg when therespective ends of the first leg and the second leg are directed towardeach other and into contact with one another to define an enclosedregion for securing an article therein.
 28. The packaging member ofclaim 27 wherein the preformed member is composed of laminatedpaperboard.
 29. The packaging member of claim 27 wherein each of the twoscores may be formed in at least one of an outer surface of the firstmember and inner surface of the first member.